HYDERABAD, Nov 25: The Centre for Environment and Development (CEAD) has said drought management plans should be prepared and environmental problems should be addressed on emergency basis.

The office-bearers of the CEAD, at a meeting held here on Sunday, said the existing environmental legislation and standards should be implemented in their true spirit.

They further urged the government, donor agencies and NGOs should adopt a pragmatic approach for development as the present approach, according to them, had resulted in a great damage to environment, instead of giving any benefit.

They said the country was passing through a silent environmental catastrophe, which was causing socio-economic problems.

The meeting observed drought-like conditions in Sindh and Balochistan had further pushed the already poverty-stricken people to a point of no return.

It said coastal areas, kacho in Dadu and desert areas of Sanghar and Thar have been affected by various contagious and water-born diseases.

The non-availability of drinking water in coastal areas had reached at such a level that 30 people had lost their lives, it noted.